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Cognitive performance in normal seniors is enhanced by a nutraceutical formulation
Author(s) -
Lepore Alicia,
Goodrow Elizabeth,
Chan Amy,
Shea Thomas
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1069-a
Subject(s) - placebo , nutraceutical , psychomotor learning , dementia , cognition , cognitive test , test (biology) , cognitive decline , medicine , executive functions , effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance , psychology , audiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , gerontology , psychiatry , pathology , paleontology , alternative medicine , disease , biology
We have developed a nutraceutical formulation (“NF‐1”) that has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for maintenance of cognitive performance in early‐stage dementia. We conducted a 3 month‐long, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with NF‐1 in seniors (45+ years of age) without dementia. Memory acuity tests were administered both at baseline and again at the end of the study, with daily administration of NF‐1 or placebo (13 individuals each). Results demonstrate that NF‐1 also improves cognitive performance determined by a Trial Making Test. In this test, Trails A, determines psychomotor skills, and Trails B, incorporates assays executive function. Individual scores revealed some improvement for both groups in Trails A, consistent with participants stating that they had gained familiarity with the test. By contrast, marked improvement in Trails B was observed for the NF‐1 group. Trails B‐A scores revealed an increased speed of 18.7 ± 4.7% (p<0.01) specifically for NF‐1, with no increase for placebo. These findings support the usefulness of NF‐1 prior to onset of dementia. Supported by internal funds from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.